Houston Defender: October 04, 2012

BUSINESS

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Volume 81 | Number 49 WEEK OF OCTOBER 4, 2012 |FREE

LOCAL DELOYD PARKER recalls integration at UH

P3 ENTERTAINMENT DANTE BROWN displays many talents

Houston’s Top Black businesses

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P5 FEATURE OPINION

WENDY WILLIAMS conducts hair drive

P13 CHAG’S PLACE

Milton Carroll and Anthony Hall III at Boy Scouts luncheon

P16

Protect kids

Bo Porter

Now is the time to make plans to receive this year’s influenza vaccine.

While the flu can be serious even for those who are otherwise healthy, it can be especially dangerous for certain children. Find out which kids are at risk. See how one local medical facility can help. Learn what the CDC recommends.

Baseball season is winding down, and it has been a difficult year for the Houston Astros. The team hopes incoming manager Bo Porter can make a difference. Find out why Astros management chose Porter.

Read about his previous professional experience. Discover what his colleagues have to say about him.

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from the flu

picked by Astros

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What to do this weekend Looking for something to do this weekend? The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area at defendernetwork.com.

It’s an iconic remake that transcends generations. But there are some secrets behind the making of “The Wiz.” Find out what they are at defendernetwork.com

Breast cancer awareness

Book TALK

When giving self-exams, what’s normal when it comes to lumps, and what’s not? At defendernetwork.com.

Looking for a classic children’s book? Check out You Can’t Eat Toes for Breakfast by Rickey Teems Jr. This fun-loving book will arouse your children’s curiosity while taking them on a journey of selfdiscovery. At www.defendernetwork.com.

The University of Houston Moores School of Music presents a festival Oct. 5-6 celebrating the works of Afro-British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875- 1912). Visit www.music. uh.edu/.

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We keep Houston working. enroll today at hccs.edu

The reasons people choose HCC are as diverse as the Houstonians we serve. And no institution does more to get students where they’re going faster than HCC. We keep Houston working with affordable tuition, innovative courses, and convenient locations.

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Blacks recall integration at UH

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

The current level of diversity at the University of Houston was made possible because of the heroic efforts of students 50 years ago who risked their own educational aspirations and personal freedoms to press for integration demands.

In commemoration of the struggle, UH recently hosted “Revolution on Cullen,” an event celebrating the individuals who facilitated integration in the 1960s and the challenges they endured.

Two key figures in this history – former UH basketball player Don Chaney and Gene Locke, founder of UH’s AfroAmericans for Black Liberation (AABL) – shared their firsthand testimonies via a public conversation moderated by UH professor Alison Leland.

Chaney, who went on to play in the NBA and coach the Houston Rockets, spoke of the role UH coaching legend Guy Lewis played in this drama.

Upon receiving permission from the university in 1964 to recruit the school’s first Black athletes, Lewis landed Chaney and future Hall-of-Famer Elvin Hayes, changing not only the basketball fortunes of the school, but the pace of campus change.

For Chaney, the campus transformation was less institutional than it was personal, as he shared his story of rooming with a white person for the first time. That person, fellow UH basketball player John Tracy, grew to become one of Chaney’s closest friends, but not before each had to deal with their fears and misconceptions about the other.

A prominent lawyer and former candidate for mayor of Houston, Locke spoke of other factors, including the successful court battles striking down segregation; UH’s 1963 conversion from a private to a public university required to abide by the new laws to receive state funds; and Locke’s belief that UH opened its doors to Blacks to slow down the integration of the University of Texas and Texas A&M. Other defining moments included AABL member Lynn

Don Chaney Deloyd Parker

Eusan winning the 1968 homecoming queen title, the presentation of demands of Black students to then UH president, Philip Hoffman, and the students’ tutoring of Third Ward youth.

“We did it because it needed to be done, and it laid the foundation for the birth of SHAPE,” said Locke of the community center founded by then fellow UH activist Deloyd Gene Locke Parker.

“The focus of our movement was not integration but Black students having equal rights, and a voice,” said Parker. “We were nationalists seeking to define ourselves for ourselves, by ourselves.”

Parker, Locke and others were part of the growing national voices for change. Within a span of 14 months most of the AABL demands were met, resulting in changes still impacting UH today: the founding of an African American Studies Program, hiring of more Black faculty, and increased financial aid for students.

Locke believes the movement provided powerful les-

The late Lynn Eusan and Gene Locke were campus activists in the 1960s.

sons as well.

“Students should be told over and over that they are expected to make a difference and give birth to social movements,” Locke said. “You can’t just be Tier One in research; you have to be Tier One in service as well.

His daughter, Attica Locke, served as the keynote speaker for the “Revolution on Cullen” event. She discussed her book, “Black Water Rising,” which chronicles the struggle at UH.

localbriefs DUE TO A LOCAL SYPHILIS OUTBREAK, the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) is urging immediate testing for residents at risk. They include men who have sex with men, people who engage in anonymous sex, anyone who has had multiple sex partners, and anyone who tests positive for other sexually-transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. HDHHS reported a 97 percent increase in new infectious syphilis cases during the first seven months of 2012 compared to the same time period last year. HDHHS offers testing and treatment services at Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme; Sunnyside Health Center, 4605 Wilmington; and Northside Health Center, 8504

Schuller. For more information call 832-3935010 or visit www.houstonhealth.org........ THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN’S fall 2012 enrollment of 13,916 students is the largest in the institution’s history. It exceeds the mark set in fall 2011 with a 7.7 percent increase in students and an 8.4 percent increase in semester credit hours.

More than 26 percent of fall semester credit hours are offered through online and hybrid (combination of online and face-to-face) courses, helping to spur enrollment growth. The student enrollment at UHD is 40 percent Hispanic, 27 percent AfricanAmerican, 9 percent Asian and 20 percent white, mirroring the Houston region’s ethnic diversity.

UHD is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution.……...THE CITY OF HOUSTON is being recognized as one of Houston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association of Business Resources. The award, which is administered nationally in five markets, identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. “I am very proud of this recognition. It means the work of our human resources employees, under the leadership of Omar Reid, is paying off,” said Mayor Annise Parker.

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Black Press endorses President Obama

By CLOVES C. CAMPBELL, JR. NNPA Chairman

A few years ago, the National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) was holding its annual board meetings in Washington, D.C., when then-Senator Barack Obama walked in the room to welcome the publishers to Washington. He also indicated he wanted to share some news with us. The news was that he was planning on seeking the office of the president of the United States of America.

There were some young and many older publishers in the meeting. He said if any of us would like to talk with him in the lobby, he would be happy to share his thoughts. I remember many of the publishers being very excited.

As we listened, we, too, saw what many people already knew and millions more would eventually learn about this very charismatic man. There was something special about him. Something that would change the history of Black folks in politics forever.

It was then that I and the other members of NNPA voiced our support first for the man who would become the 44th president of the United States of America. The Black Press was there first.

Fast forward to August 2012. It was then that I asked the question in print about the president’s campaign spending. It was then, when several members of the campaign questioned my article. As I stated then and I will state again: The NNPA – the Black Press of America – has always supported President Obama.

We have encouraged Black Folks to get registered to vote. We encouraged Blacks to go to the polls and exercise their right to vote. We have published hundreds of articles about President Obama, his administration and his programs. We have also on numerous

President Barack Obama greeted members of NNPA during Black Press Week.

occasions championed his issues on our front pages.

There is no doubt, that when other media outlets brought unnecessary criticism on the president, it was the Black Press that was there to support him.

As we prepare to go to the polls in November, I am here to say that the National Newspaper Publishers Association endorses President Barack Obama once again.

It is our belief that America can be best served with President Obama being re-elected.

We at the NNPA look forward to working with the

Obama, Romney reject invitation to address issues

By FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA Washington Correspondent

Both President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, his Republican challenger, have rejected an invitation from the NAACP and other Black groups to participate in a forum to discuss issues important to African-Americans.

In late September, the NAACP invited Obama and Romney to articulate their plans for the Black community at a presidential

forum planned for Oct. 9 at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest Black degree-granting institution.

The NAACP collaborated with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), MSNBC-TV, American Urban Radio Network and others in preparation for the forum. Veteran award-winning journalist Lester Holt had agreed to moderate.

Jerry Lopes, president of American Urban Radio Network, recently said that both candidates had declined to appear, citing scheduling conflicts.

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presidents’ administration in the formulation of strategies for the next four years. It is our hope that those plans include more opportunities for Blacks to procure business with the federal government, greater employment opportunities for Blacks in America and enhanced opportunities for all students seeking higher education.

We encourage our readers to register to vote, go out and vote and be sure to take the proper identification with them to the polls on Election Day, vote to re-elect President Barack Obama November 6!

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 49 WEEK OF OCTOBER 4, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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entertainment

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Dante Brown a kid of many talents

By Kam Williams Special to the Defender

Born in Chicago in 1999, Dante Brown received his big break at age 5 when he beat out 500 other children to be showcased as a dancer, comedian and actor on Oprah Winfrey’s first “Amazing Kids” show.

A self-taught dancer, he learned his moves watching Michael Jackson, Usher and Chris Brown on YouTube videos.

Dante can also beatbox, rap, play piano by ear and make beats. With his younger brother, Dusan, he performs as a duo known as “The Brown Boys.” The siblings released an album and have opened for such acts as the New Boyz, DJ Tha Pope and Trey Songz.

Here, he talks about starring opposite Viola Davis in Won’t Back Down.” He portrays her son, Cody.

KW: What interested you in Won’t Back Down?

DB: When my agent sent over the sides for my audition on the tape, the project was originally named “Still I Rise.” I immediately thought of Maya Angelou’s poem and was very interested in getting to know my character more, as well as the story. My name means poetic, so it’s ironic that I love poetry, and I was like, “Wow, interesting movie!”

KW: What was it like to work opposite Viola Davis as your mother?

DB: Working with Mrs. Davis... it was a joy!

She was funny. She gave me tips and also helped me understand the importance of “being in the scene,” so I could hold up to her star quality. She was very approachable and down to earth, so it made working with her very easy. She sort of reminds me of my Mom, so I never felt like I had to act, but simply be her son for the time being, while shooting the movie. Whenever I’d goof around, she’d have no problem with me either,

in a nice way, of course. I still keep in contact with her and will always look at her as an amazing actress that I was privileged to work with and get to know.

KW: How would you describe your character, Cody?

DB: Cody has a learning disability and during a pivotal point in the movie, you’ll learn the cause of his

learning disorder. He’s sort of a quiet kid, gets bullied at school, doesn’t have any friends, and the kids pick on him by calling him names and stuff.

KW: Which is your favorite way to perform – acting, rapping, singing, dancing or playing piano?

DB: That’s kind of tough, but I’d have to say acting because it’s just so much fun being able to be someone else when auditioning for different roles and then working on set. But most definitely rapping, too.

What I enjoy about rapping is being able to express myself with words. The Bible says that our words are very powerful.

KW: Where do you go to school? Or are you homeschooled?

DB: I attend a great middle school in The Valley.

I can’t say which one for security reasons. But I love going to school, being in a traditional school atmosphere, having immediate access to my teachers, when needed, and interacting with my friends and playing sports. And I plan to attend regular school so long as I can balance everything and thrive while preparing for college.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

DB: Read a whole bunch of books and pray. This way, you’ll become an exceptional reader, as well as learn how to fully comprehend and interpret the many scripts that you may receive. Stay true to yourself.

Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do it. Maintain your inner confidence and for the details, contact my Mom. You can visit her website [www.MomagersRock. com] because she’s helped a lot of moms get their kids started in the business. [Also] ask God to direct your path and if this is His goal for your life. Then He will open doors for you.

What’sup The OPRAH WINFREY Network has formed an exclusive partnership with TYLER PERRY to become his singular destination for all new TV series and projects, including two scripted series for the network premiering in 2013. “I have been looking forward to the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come,” Winfrey said. “We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler, who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world.” Perry’s TV series “House of Payne,” “Meet the Browns”

and “For Better or Worse” are already hits……..

Rapper LIL WAYNE has officially topped ELVIS PRESLEY as the male artist with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Wayne has placed 109 songs on the chart, surpassing Presley’s record of 108 songs. Wayne, who recently turned 30, ranked fifth on Billboard’s list of top-earning musicians in 2011, with an estimated $23.1 million……..BRUNO MARS will be the host and musical guest on the Oct. 20 episode of “Saturday Night Live.” The Grammywinning artist has sold 6 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide. His sophomore album, “Unorthodox Jukebox,” will be released in December.

Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Mars was influenced

by such artists as Presley, LITTLE RICHARD and MICHAEL JACKSON……..A Grammy salute to WHITNEY HOUSTON is being taped on Oct. 11 and will air on Nov. 16 on CBS. Performers include JENNIFER HUDSON and USHER. The one-hour special will celebrate Houston’s life, artistry and most memorable performances through interviews with and performances by various artists paying homage to her……..L.L. COOL J spent some special time with his mom, Ondrea Smith, on the set of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” In an upcoming episode, the team tracks down a suspect in a casino, and four women – portrayed by the lead actors’ real-life mothers – can be seen playing poker on the show.

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Pinnacle Awards honor business owners Defender News Services

The Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce will honor local entrepreneurs during its 18th Annual Pinnacle Awards Black Tie Gala on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Power Center.

The keynote speaker is William F. Pickard, CEO of Global Automotive Alliance.

Ten business owners are finalists for the Pinnacle Awards. In addition, four entrepreneurs are finalists for the Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Business Award, which recognizes a burgeoning business on the path to greatness.

“The Pinnacle Awards recognize and honor African-American business leaders in the Houston area who have met the many challenges and found a way to positively impact the communities and industries they serve,” Eric Lyons, HCCC president said.

“These leaders are professional, capable, and are committed to maintaining a high quality business while building strong communities.”

The Pinnacle Awards finalists are: Beacon Home Health, a privately owned and operated home care group.

DigiStor dba Smahrt Solutions, a company with a mission to transform HR.

Dr. Heather Brown, who is “committed to the highest standards in orthodontic care.”

Elite Change, a consulting company dedicated to empowering clients.

Lamik Beauty, an “eco-chic” makeup brand, including facial care and eyelashes.

RPH Consultants, which focuses on master planning, renovation and new construction.

The Bulsard Group, LLC, which anticipates industry demands by providing a holistic approach.

The Power Center Pharmacy, which for 16 years has provided prescription services.

TLC Engineering, which provides consulting, engineering, construction and other services.

Tyrone’s Special Events, a catering and event planning business.

The Upstart Business Award finalists are: Active Faith Sports, a Christian sports apparel brand.

Will Cooper Agency, an Allstate Insurance agency.

SecCon Services, an IT professional services and staffing company.

Smithwood Medical Institute, LLC, which is staffed by nursing professionals.

For additional information visit www.hccoc.org.

Continued on Page 7

Pam Ellis, DigiStor dba Smahrt Solutions

Ricky & Lora Mayes, Beacon Home Health

Dallas Jones, Elite Change

Paul Cannings, RPH Consultants

Kim Roxie, Lamik Beauty

Latoya Wall, The Bulsard Group

Macy’s offers program for MWBEs Defender News Services

The Workshop at Macy’s, the retailer’s innovative “business of fashion” program, is now accepting applications for the next class.

The workshop is designed to mentor and foster growth among up-and-coming minority and womenowned businesses, in an effort to help achieve and sustain positive and successful vendor relationships.

The first initiative began in 2011 and has resulted in six current vendor relationships with previous graduates who have seen their unique goods hit the market at select Macy’s stores across the nation.

“We are very excited to kick off the application process for the next Workshop class,” said Shawn

Outler, Macy’s group vice-president of Leased Businesses, Vendor Collaboration and Multicultural Business Development.

“This program was created to develop minority and women-owned businesses that make great products, but need real-world knowledge and experience in the arena of a large scale nationwide retailer.

“This program helps reinforces Macy’s longstanding commitment to vendor diversity and to providing customers with unique goods and services that meet their lifestyle.”

The Workshop at Macy’s is a four-and-a-half-day intensive training course developed by a consortium of experts, including Babson College, a leading business school for entrepreneurship, and select Macy’s

merchants and vendors.

It allows selected participants to collaborate with fellow aspiring vendors, gain access to industry experts and solicit one-on-one business coaching. The course work includes classes on merchandising and assortment planning, marketing, EDI, financial management, and access to capital.

To be eligible, an applicant must be the majority (51 percent or more of equity) owner, co-owner or otherwise have operational control of a business that has been in operation for a least two consecutive years and be its primary decision-maker.

Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Feb. 3, 2013. For more information visit www.macysinc.com/workshop.

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Pinnacle...Continued from page 6 ....

AT

Matt & Angela Rogers, Power Center Pharmacy

YOU’VE GOT FRIENDS IN THE BUSINESS Tyrone Bowles, Tyrone’s Special Events

Will Cooper, Will Cooper Agency

Tony Council, TLC Engineering

Brad Foreman SecCom services

Rikki Smith & Berrilyn Smith, Smithwood Medical Institute

Is your minority or woman-owned business ready for the inside track to success in the retail industry?

We’re looking for stars like you!

Macy’s is in the business of fashion and is committed to aggressively pursuing business opportunities with innovative minority and woman-owned retail vendors.

The Workshop at Macy’s is designed to help retail entrepreneurs and designers that are poised to succeed on a larger scale, but need additional tools on retail business practices to build and sustain growth in the industry.

The Workshop at Macy’s is now accepting applications for our Spring 2O13 Program.

For more information, including interviews with past participants, application requirements and deadlines, visit macysinc.com/workshop.

Diversity. It’s not what you think.

At Macy’s, it is part of everything we do.

Lanny Smith & Kirbi Thomas, Active Faith Sports

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Barnett Auto Group Carl Barnett Sr., President & Founder Carl Barnett learned early on that hard work is the key to survival.

One of nine children, Barnett was raised in Arkansas by his mother, who was widowed at age 35. Each child contributed to survival, including Barnett who toiled in the cotton fields when he was 8 years old.

By 1966, Barnett entered the automotive industry and spent more than 19 years with General Motors. While there, Barnett was a hot metal crane operator, assembly line worker and supervisor.

I n 1987, Barnett enrolled in the GM Dealer Academy. He graduated and purchased his first dealership, Barnett Oldsmobile in Tulsa, Okla. In 1991, Barnett bought Gulf Freeway Pontiac-GMC in Houston.

T he Barnett Auto Group now owns three dealerships: Paris Ford Lincoln, Gorman McCracken VolkswagenMazda in Longview, and Baytown Hyundai. A fourth dealership, Onion Creek Volkswagen, is being built in Austin.

H is success was not without challenges. “ The biggest challenge is to find quality people in that market who will come and work for you,” Barnett said. “Those are key people who are going to help you become successful because you can’t do it all by yourself.”

W ith trial and error, Barnett successfully hired those key people.

“I was a manager for General Motors for 15 of the 19 years that I worked for them and the management skills that I obtained was a great asset for me when it came to interviewing people,” he said.

With a fourth dealership in the works, Barnett is open to acquiring more.

“I’m not sure this is going to be my last one,” he said. “I still think my best days are ahead of me.”

B.E. ranking: No. 20 auto dealers Revenue: $74.1 million Founded: 1989 Employees: 90 Mission statement: Exceptional people providing exceptional products and exceptional services Community involvement: Eliza Barnett Scholarship Foundation, Special Olympics, Boy Scouts, Juneteenth Parade, local school and baseball organizations Business advice: Invest in people. Pay employees well and help them to develop the quality skills needed to succeed at work. Give customers excellent products and services for the best price possible.

ChaseSource Anthony “Tony” Chase, Chairman & CEO Architecture pioneer John Chase, who died in March at age 87, had a profound influence on his son, Anthony “Tony” Chase. He is chairman and CEO of ChaseSource, a company specializing in consulting and recruitment.

“I’ve been an entrepreneur since day one,” said Chase. “It really comes from my dad who was in business for himself for over 50 years as an architect in Houston.”

Chase began his career with a law degree from Harvard Law School. He began teaching at the University of Houston Law Center in 1990 and remains a tenured professor there.

coverp Houston’s Top Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep James Davis, President When James Davis moved to the Houston area in 1980 from North Carolina, it was because he landed a job at U.S. Steel in Baytown.

But three years later, Davis was laid off. A newspaper advertisement caught his eye and by the next week, he was selling cars.

Davis has since built his own successful car dealership with the purchase of Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Houston.

He didn’t get there overnight. He worked for Chevrolet and Honda and eventually took a job as sales manager at Deerbrook Forest Chrysler Jeep, owned at the time by black entrepreneur Dale Early.

Davis considered Early a mentor and entered Chrysler’s Minority Dealer Development Program in 1998.

As a graduate of Chrysler’s program, Davis could purchase his dealership in 2002. Chrysler put up 90 percent of the capital and Davis invested 10 percent as part of the partnership.

“It’s just that drive that I had,” Davis said. “But sometimes what inspires

you is when you see someone who looks like you who is already doing what you want to do.”

There were bumps and bruises along the way.

“The dealerships that minorities buy are normally not in the best locations and are not necessarily in a thriving community,” Davis said.

“That can be a challenge because a lot of the area is not growing with you.”

There are plans for business growth and Davis is making a personal investment to help that happen.

“I currently have someone in the Chrysler [Minority Dealer Development] program that I’m sponsoring and I hope that by the end of the program, they are ready for a dealership and opportunities where we can partner together,” Davis said.

B.E. ranking: No. 24 auto dealers Revenue: $62.2 million Founded: 2002 Employees: 85 Mission statement: To provide an environment that is comfortable and where the customer is confident that they are getting superior service Community involvement: Pearland Chamber of Commerce, University of Houston Black Alumni Association Business advice: Treat your employees fair.

Keep them happy and you will keep your customers happy.

Along the way, Chase purchased radio stations and launched a cellular phone service company, all of which he sold. He then founded ChaseCom, which supplied staff for call centers, and sold it to AT&T Corporation in 2007.

Chase is well aware of the challenges that new entrepreneurs often face, from a lack of capital to problems recruiting staff.

“I was able to pay folks a bit more than what they otherwise might get and that helped me to attract the best people,” Chase said.

He also fostered relationships with established corporations and key players who could help lend credibility or capital.

“The key is to demonstrate to a perspective partner how you can help them create value and make money,” Chase said. “If you can do that, they will want to work with you.”

Chase wants to build up ChaseSource and sell it when the timing is right. “’A good entrepreneur is always looking for opportunities and is ready to take advantage of them when they come along,” he said.

B.E. ranking: No. 97 Industrial/ Revenue: $23.4 million Founded: 2007 Employees/associates: 296 Mission statement: To deliver employers looking to augmen Community involvement: Gre Foreign Relations Business advice: Integrity, eth unwavering foundation for you Fairness, honesty, and commo on which any business should everything that you set out to

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page Black businesses A

By ELESKA AUBESPIN Defender

Sherman Lewis III, CEO & President Sherman Lewis II, Chairman There is an old saying that “Cash is king,” and when this father-and-son team could not get financial backing for their business ventures, they pumped their own cash into the deals.

Sherman Lewis Jr. and Sherman Lewis III depleted savings accounts, retirement funds and any other finances they could secure in order to birth The Lewis Group.

Despite the challenge of initial funding, the company owns and operates 10 Shell gas stations and convenience stores and 22 Jack in the Box restaurants.

“One of our biggest challenges at first was that no one wanted to loan us money because we had no track record,” said Sherman Lewis III. “So we had to get the money on our own by using every single penny I had and all of the money my dad had as well.”

It was a huge risk, but the

/service

strategic, cost-effective solutions for nt their staff eater Houston Partnership, Council on

hics and transparency should be the ur work. No excuses, no exceptions. on sense are also fundamental principles be built. Always do the right thing in achieve.

e Houston area for over 80 years

Smith, Graham & Company Investment Advisors, LP. Gerald B. Smith, Chairman & CEO

frican-American entrepreneurs have a rich history in Houston, and continue to make an economic impact. They have succeeded against the odds and a number of them are thriving, not just surviving.

Some have gained national recognition, such as the firms found on Black Enterprise Magazine’s annual list of the nation’s top-grossing Black-owned business. Twenty Texas firms made the 2012 B.E. list, including five firms from Houston.

The following are profiles of the local firms – two industrial/service companies, two auto dealers and one financial services company.

All are actively involved in the Houston community, and all have sound business advice to offer other companies.

The Lewis Group L.L.P.

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company is successful because of the research, long-term strategies and reputation it was built upon, said Lewis III, whose background includes real estate investments in the Washington, D.C. area, where he lived before moving to Houston.

When it comes to handling challenges, Lewis said Black business owners should not get overwhelmed. Instead, tackle each challenge one by one.

Also, think about long-term goals and do your homework, such as learning how to operate businesses before investing in them. Lewis III spent eight months working at a Shell location before he purchased any of the sites.

And always invest money back into the business.

With The Lewis Group’s success, there are plans to expand in the fast food industry.

“But that’s all I can say at this point,” Lewis III said.

B.E. ranking: No. 27 Industrial/service Revenue: $122 million Founded: 2003 Employees: 563 Mission statement: To provide great quality products at great prices Community involvement: Houston Area Urban League, Habitat for Humanity Business advice: Always think long-term

Early on in the investment industry world, Gerald Smith knew he wanted to control his own destiny and in order to do that, he started his own financial services company.

Smith, Graham & Company Investment Advisors now stands as a gleaming example of success.

Smith, a native Houstonian and graduate of Texas Southern University with a BBA in finance, has more than 35 years of experience in the investment industry.

He served as senior vice president and director of fixed income for Underwood Neuhaus & Company, first senior vice president and director of marketing and sales for Westcap Corporation, and vice president of Dillon Read & Co., New York.

He launched his Houston-based investment management firm in 1990. It has an office in New York City as well.

Smith must juggle numerous responsibilities and make difficult decisions, all while maintaining a high standard of excellence.

“I want clients to do business with us because we are a great company and I want to continue to exceed those expectations as a business person, not as a minority business person,” Smith said. “I know that in order to compete, this will always be a challenge.”

Smith’s plans include building more of a global presence.

When you are in business, you have to continuously strive for ways to enhance value and exceed the goals and objectives of your clients,” Smith said. “We are always focused on continuous improvement.”

B.E. ranking: No. 6 Financial services companies Assets under management: $5.2 billion Founded: 1990 Employees: 31 Mission statement: To provide superior investment management services which surpass client objectives while adhering to the highest standards of discipline and integrity Community involvement: Smith, Graham & Company Scholarship Fund; United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast; Kappa League, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Houston Alumni Chapter Business advice: Understand the values of building a network and having a personal commitment to developing strong, lasting relationships with clients by being responsive to their needs. Establish value-added partnerships by constructing a plan and strategy that meets a client’s unique needs.

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012

health

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A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

healthnotes

Brain food for toddlers Ever wonder how to boost your child’s brain power? According to Keli Hawthorne, registered dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital, you can give your toddler a great mental jumpstart with a few important nutrients: antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and iron!

Antioxidants

These nutrition superstars protect your toddler’s brain from normal wear and tear. Some familiar antioxidants include vitamin C (citrus fruits, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli), beta-carotene (carrots) and vitamin E (vegetable oils, nuts and seeds). Recent research has shown that other substances called phytonutrients have antioxidant properties too. One of these is lycopene, found in red foods like watermelon and tomatoes.

Look to fruits and veggies – the darker the color, the more antioxidantpacked! Tempt your toddler with a berry yogurt smoothie for breakfast. Give raspberries, blackberries, strawberries or blueberries for a snack.

Omega-3 fatty acids

These healthy fats are important for a

child’s developing brain and vision. They are considered essential fats, meaning that our bodies don’t make them, and we need to get them from food sources.

Where to find them? Fish, such as salmon, have the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts and flaxseeds also are good sources but they have a different form of this fat which may not provide all the same health benefits. Many foods – such as eggs, milk, soy beverages, juice, yogurt, bread, cereal and margarine – are now fortified with omega-3s. Look for products that contain at least 50 milligrams of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per serving.

Iron

If a child is deficient in iron, they may have a hard time concentrating

Protect your child against the flu

in school and may not reach their potential. In the U.S., almost 1 in 10 toddlers (ages 1 to 3 years old) are iron deficient.

The best source of iron comes from red meats.

Breads, pasta and cereals are often fortified with iron too. Vitamin C (an antioxidant!) can triple the amount of iron the body absorbs.

Serve some antioxidant and vitamin C rich spaghetti sauce with meatballs made from ground sirloin and a little cereal as the binder for the meatballs. Add a slice of garlic bread with omega-3 fortified margarine, and you’ve got a nutrient packed meal perfect to boost your toddler’s brain power!

Shopping list for brain foods - Berries - Bll peppers - Tomatoes - Broccoli - Carrots - Salmon - Omega-3 fortified eggs - Omega-3 fortified orange juice - Ground sirloin - Iron-fortified cereal

Believe it or not, it’s time for everyone to make plans to get this year’s influenza vaccine. “The concerns about receiving the flu vaccine too early in the year simply are not true: The protection from the injectible vaccine should cover you or your children throughout the entire flu season,” says Dr. Stanley Spinner, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Pediatrics. The nasal vaccine (Flumist), which most pediatric patients at Texas Children’s Pediatrics can receive, will cover you for an entire year.

While the flu can be serious even in people who are otherwise healthy, it can be especially dangerous for young children and children of any age who have long-term health conditions including asthma, neurological disorders and diabetes. About 20,000 children younger than age 5 are hospitalized from flu complications like pneumonia each year. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the flu vaccine for all children ages 6 months to 19 years.

Now is the time to schedule your child’s influenza vaccine. Calling your pediatrician’s office today will ensure that you receive an appointment that is convenient with your family’s busy schedule. And, if you have school-aged children, sending your child into his or her classroom with the flu vaccine is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s health.

As part of its goal to build a community of healthy children, Texas Children’s Pediatrics Project Medical Home provides trusted, high-quality pediatric medical services for children who otherwise would seek care from emergency rooms or possibly go without care or treatment due to low family incomes and/or lack of health insurance.

Regardless of the family’s financial situation, PMH provides health care to children from birth to age 18 and offers the opportunity to develop a trusting, long-term relationship with a board certified pediatrician.

If you don’t currently have a pediatrician and would like to find one in your area visit TexasChildren’sPediatrics.org.

All of our Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices have the flu vaccine available.

Birth control pills: 10 ways they help young women Many women of reproductive age will take hormone pills, more commonly known as birth control pills, at some point during their lives.

Many people may not realize that this medication can be used to treat other medical conditions. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million women in the United States take hormone pills for reasons other than pregnancy prevention.

Jennifer Kurkowski, nurse practitioner in the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital, says that period issues are very common in adolescents and many patients seek care for these problems which

include heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis. Hormone pills may be used to treat all of these conditions regardless of sexual debut.

Some ways birth control pills can help: Thinning the lining of the uterus making menstrual bleeding less heavy Allowing for predictable menstrual cycles Decreasing cramps with periods by reducing prostaglandin production (a chemical that makes cramps worse)

Suppressing ovulation Helping control PMS symptoms Suppressing male type hormone (androgens) production by the ovary in patients with polycystic ovaries, which improves acne and helps decrease excess hair growth Decreasing the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers Controlling symptoms related to endometriosis Adding back hormones to protect the bones Helping to decrease menstrual migraine headaches among affected individuals.

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Jennifer Kurkowski

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Healthy, happy kids make for healthy, happy communities.

Every child deserves a chance to grow up healthy and strong – and every parent deserves to know their child’s health is in the hands of someone they trust. That’s what it means to have a medical home – a relationship with a trusted physician who follows your child’s health throughout childhood. We offer access to health care that’s convenient and affordable, right in your neighborhood.

• Affordable health care from birth to age 18 • Well visits, sick visits, immunizations and much more • Low-cost, flexible options regardless of your ability to pay for services • Medicaid and CHIP accepted

Call us today to schedule your child’s appointment.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012

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autoreview

2012 Nissan Rogue SV SUV

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

The Nissan slogan tells all you need to know about the 2012 Rogue sports utility vehicle.

“More than you expect, everything you deserve.”

For starters, the Rogue has an around-view monitor that not only alerts occupants of potential obstacles in front and behind the vehicle, but also on the sides. The dual images are available on the five-inch color touch-screen monitor that is a part of the navigation system.

I’m a member of that “Baby Boomers” generation that loves its music. Anytime I’m driving, you better believe the music is playing. The latest Rogue test vehicle possessed a premium Bose stereo system with seven speakers and a Richbass woofer. Motown, the Beatles, Miles Davis, it all sounded great.

When I wasn’t listening to the CD collection, an appealing option was cruising satellite radio. The different genres are dissected so that everyone can surely find something that they like.

A retractable cargo (tonneau) cover came in real handy when my full load of items from the classroom couldn’t be taken to storage until the next day.

XM NavTraffic, a feature of satellite radio, is quite an asset

when you live in a city of more than 4 million residents and fender benders occur on a daily basis to impede your progress.

The Rogue was my vehicle of choice when I returned home from day surgery and needed to kick back and relax in the rear seat.

It gets style points for having the look of an appealing SUV. A body-color rear spoiler, chrome exhaust finishers, roof rails with silver accents and dual body-color power remote-controlled outside mirrors are a few of the exterior refinements.

With a powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission, the Rogue’s ride is super smooth. The engine produces 170 horsepower and 175 pounds-per-foot of torque. The transmission has a sport mode feature.

To further enhance the limo-type ride, nimble handling and stop-on-a-dime braking are 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Comfort and convenience features include six-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, four-way manual front passenger seat, fold-down front passenger seat, 60/40 split folddown rear seat and cloth seating surfaces (leather optional).

Other standard equipment includes illuminated visor vanity mirrors, two 12-volt DC power outlets, power door locks with

SPECS

MSRP base price – $23,970 (as tested – $29,470) Engine – 2.5-liter four-cylinder Transmission – Continuously variable automatic Fuel economy – 23 miles per gallon (city), 28 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost – $2,220 (based on $3.70 per gallon) anti-locking feature, rear seat heating/cooling ducts, rearview monitor and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Safety and security features include driver and front passenger side impact and curtain air bags, front-seat active head restraints, energy-absorbing steering column, traction control system, tire pressure monitoring system and Nissan vehicle immobilizer system.

The 2012 Nissan Rogue has earned a four-star government safety rating in the frontal driver category by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Obama, Romney...Continued from page 4 ....

TSU band hazing investigated

Texas Southern University continues to investigate a report of a hazing incident within its band, which has been suspended until further notice.

TSU police are conducting interviews with the band director, band staff and members of the band.

While it is not known how many students were involved in the incident, it is believed to involve one section of the band.

In an effort to educate students about the dangers of hazing, the university presented multiple training and informational sessions to band members and other student organizations.

NNPA President and CEO Bill Tompkins said that forums such as the one proposed by the Black groups would have given President Obama the opportunity to outline his support for programs that hope to address issues plaguing the Black community.

“We need to hear that [Obama] is looking out for us, that he cares for us and that he wants us to participate in the great American Dream,” Tompkins explained.

Although both major candidates rejected the invitation to address issues important to African-Americans, both found time to sit down with Latino news anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas for a presidential forum that aired last month on Univision, the Spanish-language television network, with Romney appearing Sept. 19 and Obama the following day.

Univision pressured the candidates to attend the forum held at the University of Miami after organizers of the presidential debate denied Univision’s request to add a fourth debate with a minority moderator.

“It’s so interesting, because the Commission on Presidential Debates seems to believe that it is OK to have an African-American president, but it is not OK to have a moderator from a minority group,” said Ramos.

Since 1988, only three Black journalists have moderated debates presented by CPD – CNN’s Bernard Shaw, ABC anchor Carole Simpson and PBS anchor Gwen Ifill.

This year, CNN chief political correspondent and host of “State of the Union” Candy Crowley will become the first woman in two decades to moderate a presidential debate.

Although the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

applauded the CPD for selecting Crowley to moderate one of the presidential debates, they questioned the commission’s rationale for denying Univision’s request for a fourth debate.

The commission argued that the general election debate focuses on “issues of national interest that affect all citizens, including Univision’s audience.”

The Joint Center said that it “sees the Commission’s exclusion of people of color as moderators from this year’s televised presidential debates as a derivative of that practice.”

It’s a practice that may be losing steam.

As the country’s population grows more diverse so does its electorate, driving the push for greater minority representation at the podium and behind the moderator’s desk.

According to the Pew Research Center Black voter turnout increased nearly 5 percentage points from 2004 to 2008 (65.3 percent) and Hispanic voter turnout nearly reached 50 percent in 2008. White voter turnout slipped during the last presidential election to 66.1 percent.

Black women led all voters for the 2008 presidential election with a 68.8 percent voter turnout rate. The Black youth (18-29 years-old) voter turnout skyrocketed 8.7 percent for 58.2 percent mark, historic levels for Blacks in that age bracket.

Even though Romney received zero percent of Black voters’ support in a poll back in August, political pundits contend that President Obama shouldn’t count poll numbers as votes already in bag for November.

It’s another reason for the president to spend as much face time as possible with minority voters, energizing the getout-to-vote campaigns.

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Williams holds hair drive for patients Defender News Services

In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “The Wendy Williams Show” is conducting a different kind of drive.

“All month long we are asking ‘Wendy’ viewers to get your hair growing and then let us cut it here on the show and we will donate it to make a wig for a breast cancer patient,” Williams said.

The show is partnering with the American Cancer Society in asking viewers to donate their hair for the wigs, which will be given to patients free of charge. The first donor who appeared on the show hadn’t cut her hair in more than three years.

In addition to making a difference in patients’ lives, the hair drive is designed to raise awareness of breast cancer.

Williams, who is known for her hair wardrobe, said there is a good reason why she wears wigs.

“I don’t wear wigs for ‘clown,’ I wear wigs for ‘real,’ ” she said. “I have thyroid disease so my hair is thin.”

Williams burst onto the national talk show scene in 2009 with the launch of her syndicated weekday program. The show airs in 52 countries and been renewed through 2014. It can be seen in Houston at 10 a.m.

Monday-Friday on Fox 26.

Prior to achieving success in daytime television, Williams enjoyed a successful 23year career in radio.

Women who are interested in donating their hair on Williams’ show can visit wendyshow.com.

Wendy Williams

WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012

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sports

Astros select Bo Porter

as new manager

By MAX EDISON Defender

It’s been a difficult year for the Houston Astros and their fans. They have lost 100 games for the second consecutive season and have the dubious distinction of being Major League Baseball’s worse team – again.

As the 50th year season of the franchise comes to an end, they have selected a new manager to lead the team’s fortunes into the future, beginning in 2013.

Washington Nationals third base coach Bo Porter was recently named as their 17th skipper in franchise history.

The 40-year-old Porter, who resides in Houston, has 18 years of combined experience as a player, coach and manager in the minor and major leagues. He will remain with the playoff bound Nationals until their season concludes and then begin service Bo Porter will take charge of the Astros in 2013. with the Astros.

Porter has been one of MLB’s stint with the Nationals. The Nationtop young managerial candidates. The team is in the als are the darlings of the 2012 season. midst of a major rebuilding mode as well as a move Relocated to D.C. from Montreal in to the American League in 2013. After an exhaus2005, the team took its share of hard tive search, Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane is knocks in the win column, but has pleased with the selection of Porter. retooled itself through high draft picks “Bo’s experience and management style will help and trades that have landed them with lead our young players in creating a sense of urgency to a stockpile of young very talented restart the Astros winning tradition,” Crane said. players.

General Manager Jeff Luhnow further explained It is a formula the Astros hope to why Porter was such an attractive choice emulate. The Nationals have secured “Bo Porter has been successful as a player and as their first division title and are poised a coach and is ready to lead the Houston Astros as our for a playoff run. next manager,” Luhnow said. “He is a natural leader “He’s been part of the Nationals’ and a winner and he inspires people around him to be ascent, and that’s a model that we look their best. at,” Luhnow said. “We’d like to get “He brings an energy to the clubhouse that is to that point where we can go from a contagious and a teaching and motivating style that is team that has a losing record to a team appropriate for players of all ages and tenures,” Luhthat can win a division and compete now continued. “He is driven to succeed and we look for a championship like the Nationals forward to seeing the positive results as he channels his are in a position to do this year. energy and expertise towards creating winning teams in Nationals’ General Manager Mike Houston.”

Rizzo acknowledges Porter’s conOne key selling point with Porter is his current

Bo Porter

tribution in helping their young players develop.

“Bo Porter joined our staff in 2011 to instruct and coach our young players in how to play the game right, and in how to win,” Rizzo said. “He has been invaluable to us and our drive toward our first postseason.”

The Astros join the American League West in 2013, which will place them in direct competition with the two-time AL pennant-winning Texas Rangers. Rangers skipper Ron Washington is a fan of the Bo Porter hiring.

“I know Bo well,” Washington said.

“He’s a very good baseball man. He cares about his players. He was a player-coach.

He was one of those guys who is always willing to share his experiences in the game.

“I’m happy he got an opportunity to manage,” Washington said. “He’ll do a good job. He’s honest, he’s fair and he knows the game. He’ll work hard. He’ll be a working manager.”

Astro Assistant General manager Ricky Bennett, a seasoned MLB executive, agrees.

“Bo’s an excellent choice,” Bennett said. “He has tremendous energy and passion for the game, with the ability to effectively communicate with young players. He’s a quality leader who has a clear vision of what it takes to compete and win at the Major League level.”

For his part Porter sees the Astros’ potential and hopes improvement can be made quickly.

“It’s a young group, and at the same time it’s a very talented group,” Porter said. “The talent pool is very deep and now we just need to roll up our sleeves Porter is third base coach of the Washington and go to work.”

Nationals.

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs North Forest is for real

Overtime football

games mean do or die

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

From high school football fields to billion-dollar pro stadiums it’s one of the more intriguing terms in sports – overtime.

In the National Football League, the game known in football lore as “The Greatest Game Ever Played” was the 1958 NFL championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants.

With seven seconds to play in regulation, Baltimore kicker Steve Myhra converted a 20-yard field-goal attempt to tie the game at 17-17 and mark the first time in league history that a title game would be decided in sudden death overtime.

New York won the coin toss but was forced to punt after failing to convert a first down.

Baltimore’s offense ate up eight minutes and 15 seconds of overtime to move the ball 80 yards on 13 plays. The final play decided the game as fullback Alan Ameche scored on a one-yard touchdown run to give the Colts a 23-17 win and the NFL title.

The game featured 17 future NFL Hall of Famers and was played at Yankee Stadium before a national television audience. The sport’s popularity exploded across the country after that and has become the nation’s favorite sport to watch.

Closer to home, the University Interscholastic League, the governing body of athletics in Texas public secondary schools, didn’t add overtime to high school football games until the mid1990s.

Yates head football coach Ronald Miller remembers games being decided on tiebreakers before the landmark decision.

“It was either the

The Bulldogs are laughing at the preseason prognosticators. North Forest was picked to finish fifth in District 21-4A by many preseason polls. Defending champion Sharpstown, Reagan, Wheatley and Waltrip were picked above North Forest with Milby, Davis, Austin and Lee rounding out the ledger. Following a recent 43-0 demolition of Sharpstown, North Forest improved to 5-0 for the first time since the merger of Forest Brook and Smiley High Schools five years ago.

Running back Alex Benjamin scored on TD runs of 65, one and 37 yards. “This just lets people know that we’re here and we can do whatever anybody else can do,” said North Forest head coach Plexz Atkins. “We can be positive and we can win.” North Forest takes on Houston Austin next.

Cowboys Stadium hosts title games again

Yates coach Ron Miller and running back Arthur Lockett had an overtime game to remember.

superior number of penetrations or first downs that determined what teams advanced when playoff games were tied,” Miller said. “I remember two instances in the early 1990s when Yates lost playoff games on tiebreakers.”

Most recently, Yates trailed 28-6 to Houston Sterling in the second quarter of its District 23-3A opener at rain-drenched Barnett Stadium. Raiders’ running back Jarvis Duckworth dissected the Lions’ defense for 223 yards on 39 carries

and three touchdowns to lead the charge.

Yet the Lions had a force of their own. Yates running back Arthur Lockett spearheaded a secondhalf comeback that included TD runs of 26 and six yards in the third quarter and 43 and 20 yards in the fourth stanza.

“I just felt like our kids weren’t going to quit,” Miller said.

“We had some mistakes on offense in the first or the game could have easily been tied 28-28 at halftime.”

Instead, Sterling led 28-14 at intermission and the Raiders appeared to have all the momentum.

“I believe in what our offense can do,” Miller said. “The way Arthur ran tonight made us realize that we were back in contention. He’s our leader and we’re going to ride him until he graduates.”

After a crucial Yates fumble recovery at the Sterling 35-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Lockett tied the game at 42-42 with his 20-yard TD run with two minutes, 47 seconds left in regulation to force the extra session.

For the second consecutive year, Cowboys Stadium in Arlington will host the University Interscholastic League’s 10 high school football state championship games in December. The Class 5A through 1A games return to Arlington while the two six-man games return to Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. The Division I 3A final will be Dec. 14, with the remaining nine games played the following weekend (Dec. 20-22). Three games will be played each day. The 5A Division I (8 p.m.), 5A Division II (4 p.m.) and 4A Division I (noon) title games are Dec. 22. Cowboys Stadium got the nod because it offers a controlled environment, a playing surface that can endure nine games in three days and a minimum of four locker rooms.

Texans make history For the first time in their 10-year history the Texans completed a perfect month of September, finishing 4-0. Some Texan haters in the crowd might criticize the record based on the schedule, but remember the NFL makes the schedule, not Texan management. You can only play who’s on your schedule and defeat them. Chairman and CEO Robert McNair is pleased with his team’s success. “It’s great, but that’s one fourth of the season. It’s really the right way to start it,” McNair said. “You couldn’t be any better. We still have a long way to go, but the team’s playing great and I’m really proud of them. We’ve got 12 more games to play. I’m thinking about that,” McNair continued. “I’m happy with the 4-0, but we’ve got a game in New York next, a week from Monday.

We’ve got to be ready to go up there and play well. Any one of these teams can beat us and we know that.”

Rockets start camp In the midst of all of the football hysteria the Rockets began training camp Oct. 2 in McAllen, home of their D-league team, the Vipers. The Rockets will open the 2012-13 season with a NBA preseason contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder in McAllen on Oct. 10. “We are once again excited to bring the Houston Rockets training camp and a NBA game to the Rio Grande Valley,” Vipers President Bert Garcia said.

Arthur Lockett

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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Honorees Stefan Wilson, Marion Edwards and Eric Mullins

Jim and Carol Smith and Clarease and Cary Yates

Melvin and Alan Bergeron

chag’splace

Milton Carroll and Anthony Hall III

Drucie, John and Brenda Chase

Honorary Chair J. Downey Bridgwater and Honoree Anthony Chase

Frank and Lorraine Walker

Sandra Aldridge, Demetrus Sparks and Debbie Marshall

DISTINGUISHED HOUSTONIANS About 300 family, friends and supporters attended HONORED…..The Sam Houston Area Council, the event that was held at the Cockrell Scout Service Boy Scouts of America African-American Committee Center. We salute J. Downey Bridgwater, honorary on Scouting hosted the Whitney M. Young, Jr. luncheon chair and Jene’ Guess Cash, luncheon chair.

Service Award Luncheon recently Congratulations!.....OPENING Join Yvette Chargois and honored four distinguished NIGHT……The Ensemble Theatre Houstonians. The honorees included recently debuted its 36th season with Events of the Week Anthony Chase, Eagle Scout and a regional premiere, The Nacirema More photos on defendernetwork.com president of ChaseSource and chair Society by Pearl Cleage. In case See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads of the Greater Houston Partnership; you’re wondering, Nacirema is with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Eric Mullins, Eagle Scout and American spelled backwards. The managing director and Co-CEO play is set in the 1960’s, and every of Lime Rock Resources; Marion Edwards, long year since emancipation, the Nacirema Society of time scouting volunteer in the W. L. Davis District; Montgomery, Alabama introduces six elegant Africanand Stephan Wilson, president of UPS’s Gulf South American debutants to a world of wealth, privilege and District, accepting on behalf of United Parcel Services. social responsibility. This year, at its 100th anniversary, The African American Committee on Scouting with young love brewing, old flames simmering and began in September, 2010 with the mission to recruit, national media attention on-hand, what would dare to build and promote scouts in the African-American go awry? At the heart of it, this play is the story of one communities served by the Sam Houston Area Council.

American Family struggling to keep its secrets and

Ursula Hall and Annette Bracey

two young lovers from who the flow of history is only a backdrop to the determination to be together. The Ensemble Theatre’s artistic director Eileen Morris director this performance. It’s a sparkling romantic comedy and a fabulous play!.....GETTING OUT THE VOTE…..The Port City Chapter of The Links, Inc. held a voter registration drive to register voters and provide relevant voter information. The chapter members were enthusiastic about their efforts as they provided the folks with information regarding the Texas Voter Identification requirements, early and absentee voting dates as well as locations for the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. The registration drive took place in the parking lot of Denny’s, located on Southmore in the heart of Third Ward. Kudos to chapter president Irene Oakley Johnson, Ursula Hall, Annette Bracey, Jackie Miller, Vanetia Wetherspoon, Sandra Aldridge and the entire membership. GO VOTE!.....

From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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